Influence of compound layer on the corrosion resistance of low alloy steel in a 3.5% NaCl solution

Samples of AISI 4140 low alloy steel were nitrided at different conditions by using plasma nitriding. The optical microscopy observation and x-ray diffraction analysis showed that a 3 ∼ 12 μ m thick compound layer composed of ε -Fe 2–3 N and γ ′-Fe 4 N was formed on the surface after nitriding treatments. The corrosion behavior was evaluated by measuring the anodic polarization curves in a 3.5% NaCl solution along with the observation of corroded surfaces and cross-sectional morphologies using optical and scanning electron microscope. The results indicated that the corrosion resistance of low alloy steel was significantly enhanced through the formation of compound layer. The thickness of compound layer was one important factor in determining its corrosion resistance.